Definition

Noun: * In computing, a pel is the smallest individual, addressable element or discrete unit that makes up a digital image or a picture displayed on a screen. It is a single point in a raster image.

Usage

The term pel is a technical abbreviation for "picture element." It is synonymous with the more common term pixel. It refers to the fundamental building block of a digital image. * The resolution of the monitor is determined by the number of pels it can display horizontally and vertically. * Each pel in the image file stores color information.

Advanced Usage

• The term pel is considered somewhat dated and is primarily found in historical or highly technical computing contexts. In modern usage, pixel is overwhelmingly preferred.
• It is used when discussing the granularity of an image, especially in relation to display hardware or image sensor technology.
  • Early computer graphics dealt directly with manipulating individual pels.

Variants and Related Words

• Pixel (n): The standard modern term for a picture element. This is the direct and most common synonym for pel.
• Texel (n): A texture element; the fundamental unit of texture space in computer graphics, analogous to a pixel in an image.
• Voxel (n): A volume element; the 3D equivalent of a pixel, representing a value on a regular grid in three-dimensional space.

Synonyms

• Pixel
• Picture element
• Image point

Related Phrases

• Pel density: The number of picture elements per unit area or length (e.g., pels per inch).
  • A higher pel density results in a sharper, less grainy image.
• Pel array: The grid or matrix of picture elements that constitutes an image.
  • The sensor's pel array captures 24 million individual points of light.

Noun

1. (computer science) the smallest discrete component of an image or picture on a CRT screen (usually a colored dot)
   • the greater the number of pixels per inch the greater the resolution